Watching Film.

Redskins Locker Room

I'd kind of like to get away from the drama that's going on and I noticed how often players refer to watching film, I know that film they get is different than what we get, but how is it different? How is it recorded? Team cameras? NFL cameras? Satellite? How do these guys watch film, do they have it pointed at certain players, certain areas? They're able to extract so much information from film I've always been curious exactly how it works.

I believe they have higher view points whenever possible to present a whole play view and then I think they are able to take the lower angle shots and crop them down and isolate matchups for watching technique and such. Plus they utilize digital playback systems that allow them to move seamlessly back and forth through games and plays.

Good question Daseal! I'd be surprised if there isn't an NFL entity (NFL films?) whose purpose is to record games at better angle and zoom level than what you normally get on TV. I'm pretty sure each team in the NFL has their own video department (Redskins do) that tracks plays, formation, and tendencies of teams and coaches.

I'm pretty sure they have their cameras setup near the coaches' booth-- at least that's how it's setup at the Ravens' stadium. I'm assuming they have cameras at different locations throughout the stadium. I believe they use NFL Films crews to do all the filming.

They pretty much get the same view a coach would get from the booth-- which allows them to see all the players on the field on any given play. I wish I could get a hold of those tapes! Apparently, only a very select few outside the NFL get to see them during the season. Ron Jaworski is one of them, from what I've heard.

__________________ Joe Crisp covered Redskins camps for TheWarpath.net for three years. He also covered Redskins Training Camp 2005 for The Daily Progress.

Each team shoots film. One End Zone View and one sideline view, from high up. It is all digital now and film can be broken down in any category. These are called cut ups. Say all 3rd down situations or all 3rd down situations inside the red zone. With the digital age the possibility is endless. I believe 2 years ago the Skins totally revamped there system to upgrade to the modern age. Each meeting room at the Park has a direct feed from the basement. They have meeting rooms for Recievers, RB's, LB's and so on. Players can even get copies on DVD so as to watch them say in the bathroom, on a plane, in ahotel room and so on. They rely heavily on the film and the more they study the more tendancies they can figure out.

I wish one day a show would be totally dedicated to X's and O's. We chat on here about it occasionally as to cover 2's, weak side strong side, gap defense and on and on, but they really need a complete show on this. Playbook on NFL comes close but they tend to pick one play from each team which does not get into theory. I sat up high at RFK under the cameras and Assistant coaches and was able to learn about the game. I became enthralled about where the safties lined up, which was a giveaway as to how to beat them. The QB's spend so much time on moving the saftey and it is the most intricate battle on the field. The mental game is incredible and these guys have to be smart to be successfull.

I'm pretty sure they have their cameras setup near the coaches' booth-- at least that's how it's setup at the Ravens' stadium. I'm assuming they have cameras at different locations throughout the stadium. I believe they use NFL Films crews to do all the filming.

They pretty much get the same view a coach would get from the booth-- which allows them to see all the players on the field on any given play. I wish I could get a hold of those tapes! Apparently, only a very select few outside the NFL get to see them during the season. Ron Jaworski is one of them, from what I've heard.

Coaches sit at Press box level and the cammeras are at the top of the stadium on the 50 (Redskins Side) and the Endzone (Players entrances)

You're right, CRT3, there should definitely be more X's and O's shows that really break down the more intricate, technical aspects of the games. I've always enjoyed watching NFL Matchup with Jaws and Hoge, but it really just whets my appetite and at the end of the show, I'm always left wanting more.

With all the extra programming space that's available on premium cable or satellite, I really wish the NFL Network or ESPN would create a channel or On-Demand service that provides programming exclusively for X-n-O junkies like ourselves! Wouldn't it be great to have On-Demand access to coaches' films? I'd never leave the house!

__________________ Joe Crisp covered Redskins camps for TheWarpath.net for three years. He also covered Redskins Training Camp 2005 for The Daily Progress.

You're right, CRT3, there should definitely be more X's and O's shows that really break down the more intricate, technical aspects of the games. I've always enjoyed watching NFL Matchup with Jaws and Hoge, but it really just whets my appetite and at the end of the show, I'm always left wanting more.

With all the extra programming space that's available on premium cable or satellite, I really wish the NFL Network or ESPN would create a channel or On-Demand service that provides programming exclusively for X-n-O junkies like ourselves! Wouldn't it be great to have On-Demand access to coaches' films? I'd never leave the house!

Sunday at 8:30 am EST on ESPN is probably the best time for most folks to see it. The other time-slots (3 am on ESPN and 1 am on ESPN2) are more for the insomniac set.

That show is a great way to start off your football Sunday. Jaws is great at breaking-down film.

Like I said, I wish there were more shows like it, and an On-Demand option would be awesome... if somewhat of a strain on my marriage!

I think once the NFL and the sports networks figure out how much of a demand there is for programming like this, and figure out how to maximize the potential of On-Demand technology to better serve niche audiences, you'll see more in-depth film breakdown shows popping up.

__________________ Joe Crisp covered Redskins camps for TheWarpath.net for three years. He also covered Redskins Training Camp 2005 for The Daily Progress.